Category: Blog

Checking in on the First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2020

By Sara Wright, Guest Blogger PGA TOUR Staff Beyond First Tee’s core programming, which focuses on empowering kids and teens to build strength of character through active learning experiences, First Tee has designed a college scholarship program to provide further life skill development and mentorship for alumni throughout their collegiate career. The First Tee College Scholarship Program was relaunched this year to support deserving students across the country as they pursue their dreams of higher education. This program not only provides financial assistance, but professional development workshops, access to post-graduate employment opportunities, and pairs the scholars with dedicated mentors in their field. On the heels of the recent announcement highlighting TruGreen’s partnership with First Tee and the expansion of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, we took the opportunity to check-in with this year’s nine scholarship recipients. Through the program, the scholars have attended a pre-college retreat and have been paired with their mentors who will help guide them through the next four years of their college experience. We wanted to hear what it’s been like for them navigating their freshmen year during a pandemic and how the lessons learned in First Tee have set them up for success. “For me, the greatest skills and lessons from First Tee have all been surrounding perseverance,” said Sara Rintoul, First Tee — Central Florida alumna and University of Florida freshman. “Between COVID, moving to a new city, and actually beginning college classes, I have certainly encountered many learning curves. But often, when I face a challenge or just feel unsure about myself, I remember the countless First Tee classes I attended in which coaches and even my peers would encourage perseverance. I was prepared to face difficulties with a positive and tactical mindset. This mindset is what has made my college experience thus far successful – or at least manageable at times when it was trying.” Luke Boldt from First Tee — Coastal Carolinas agrees with Sara regarding the power of perseverance. Boldt is attending East Carolina University where he is majoring in Public Health. “Starting out in college has been tough and I have used perseverance to push through the hardships of classes and maintain academic proficiency, while also managing a social life,” Boldt said. “Perseverance is no doubt one of the most important traits I have learned from being involved with First Tee. I don’t know where I’d be without this program and all it has given me.” Denise Wei of First Tee – San Francisco is currently studying Business Administration at the University of California, Irvine. She has also found a ton of value in First Tee’s perseverance lessons, as she’s currently taking all of her classes remotely, from home, and says that even though she took virtual classes during her last year of high school, online classes at the university level feel completely different. “Each class is filled with more than 200 students and it’s hard to get that one-on-one interaction with my classmates as well as the professor,” Wei said. “Also, since classes are virtual, I have to rely on myself to get things done and keep track of the assignments that are due. Perseverance has been extremely important, as I have been flooded with homework the first two weeks of school and with perseverance, I was able to get through it. I realized that college isn’t as easy as I thought it was, but I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals.” Kelly Low from First Tee — Fort Worth has had a good experience taking online classes through the University of Texas at Dallas, but says every week holds a new challenge. “In the past, I struggled a lot, whether that was with my grades or playing golf,” she admits. “But First Tee taught me how to navigate through challenges, embracing that struggle, and most importantly to have confidence in myself and what I can accomplish.” Ricky Lam started school this fall at Harvard University. He is also in a virtual learning environment, studying linear algebra, microeconomics and classical Chinese philosophy, while living in student housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “My college experience has been amazing,” Lam said. “Because of the pandemic, much of the rush for socializing has slowed down and become more inclusive, helping me feel less overwhelmed with the transition to college. I have been able to use First Tee’s focus on open-ended questions to become more vulnerable, caring, and curious to meet those around me, facilitating deeper and more enjoyable conversations.” Lam, an alumnus of First Tee — Tri-Valley, went on to tell about how important it was to meet his mentor, James, who was able to give him practical insights into what his future in finance, private equity and financial advising could look like. “We had such a fulfilling first conversation,” Lam added. “His story, his ups-and-downs and his immense perseverance throughout his career in finance was truly inspiring to me. I am so grateful to First Tee for this experience.” First Tee — Miami alumna Nicole Monsalve is planning on majoring in economics at Duke University, and despite the COVID regulations that have been implemented on campus, she also has been able to get to see new faces (the top half at least) and make friends that have made this transition a little less challenging and a lot more fun. “Courtesy is a big value that I am focusing on here in college,” Monsalve said. “I have made sure to learn the names of the cleaning crew in my building, the ladies and gentlemen in the cafeteria, the guys at the smoothie bar I go to, and those that oversee the gym, so that every time I see them I am able to give them a proper greeting and call them by their name. It may seem small, but you can see how happy they are when you go out of your way to recognize them. In doing this, the school feels more like a community and I feel more at home.” Remi Shendell of First Tee – Metropolitan New York has been able to live on campus and take a couple of classes in person while studying Human Health and Biology at Emory University. “Although it is different than what I imagined college would be like, I am enjoying the people, surroundings, and the new independence that I have,” Shendell said. “One of the most important skills I learned from First Tee was introducing myself and reaching out to people. Living at college in a pandemic can be isolating because there are a lot of new people and not that many scheduled opportunities to meet them in person. First Tee gave me confidence in my social skills, whether it be introducing myself to a fellow classmate or talking to a professor.” Now, of course, not every scholar was able to attend their intended school this fall. Blake Brantley from First Tee — Triad was set to attend Yale University, but due to COVID limitations, decided to take a gap year instead. Brantley did still attend First Tee’s pre-college retreat and really appreciated all the speakers and information that was provided to keep him on track. “One of my biggest takeaways came from the time-management portion,” said Brantley of the retreat. “Here we talked about building plans and schedules to help keep us on track every day which has helped me keep moving toward my goals. Everyone within the First Tee organization is very eager to help us all succeed and are happy to provide us with any tools we might need to reach our full potential.” Jessica Jiao, who participated at First Tee —Metropolitan New York, is currently attending Georgetown University. She also felt the tremendous support from First Tee during the pre-college retreat. “I had so many people supporting me and as the program goes on, I will always have a team of “go-to people” whom I can rely on for help during my college journey. Through communicating with my First Tee peers, working with my coaches and counselors, I’ve become comfortable with reaching out to others. May it be for help, guidance or support, communication has been one of the most important skills in my life and I’m thankful I was given the chance to collaborate with others through First Tee.” Applications for next year’s First Tee College Scholarship Program will open to First Tee students in early 2021. For more information, visit firsttee.org.

Celebrating Global Diversity Month: Two Chapters Unite to Create a Global Community

Like our participants, what makes our chapters so special is that each one is unique in its own way. We celebrate their diverse perspectives because it makes our work even more powerful. Yet one thing that remains consistent at every chapter is their passion for supporting the next generation and the communities they live in. One way our chapters are doing this is by creating a space that makes every individual feel like they belong. A culture of acceptance is deeply rooted in our values as an organization as we seek to understand walks of life that are different from our own. Two of our chapters, First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea, have brought this to life in a meaningful new way. In 2019, the two chapters became official sister chapters in an effort for participants to share cultural experiences and explore opportunities beyond their community. Recently, participants and coaches from the two chapters were able to meet virtually to discuss a trending topic in communities across the globe: returning to school during a pandemic. During the video call, participants shared how they’re feeling and handling the return to school. Gloria from First Tee — Korea shared, “I think I should take responsibility for myself because if I don’t follow the rules, I could put my friends and family at risk.” Through the meeting, the participants realized that they have quite a bit in common despite growing up thousands of miles apart. They’re all adjusting to the “new normal,” and are leaning on the character strengths they’ve developed through First Tee to help conquer these challenges. Bob Baderian, Executive Director for First Tee — Greater Pasadena, summed up the experience: “This very positive partnership between First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea encourages participants to share their experiences and perspectives and provides opportunities to educate them about the culture and history of their respective countries and communities. These meetings have resulted in increased knowledge and appreciation of cultures and lifestyles between our two chapters.” Founded in 2006, First Tee — Greater Pasadena has served more than 200,000 kids and teens. First Tee — Korea was founded in conjunction with the 2015 Presidents Cup and is one of six international chapters within the First Tee network. The sister chapters have a goal to one day provide an in-person experience for their participants to meet. This pandemic, among other challenges this year, has been more than we could have ever anticipated. It’s stories like these, of coming together to learn, appreciate, and build relationships, that inspire us as we work to empower youth to be game-changers and make this a better world.

Participant Aaron Hall-King Overcomes Daily Challenges with Support of Mentors and Programs at First Tee — Metropolitan New York

USGA grant helps First Tee chapters keep programs running during the pandemic

Aaron Hall-King, a New Rochelle native, was attending Albert Leonard Middle School this past March when it became the first school in New York to close due to COVID-19. His mother Kira gave him words to live by.

“The school building may be closed, but the learning continues.”

Kira was the first to reach out when First Tee — Metropolitan New York announced online learning and tutoring. First Tee has become a comfort zone for Aaron, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and needs additional help with instructions. Aaron enrolled in First Tee Life Skills and Education programs in 2014 when he was in the second grade. Since that time, program director, Karen Les Pierre shares that his grades and organizational skills have improved dramatically. Karen didn’t miss a beat when First Tee’s campuses were closed due to the virus and immediately tutored Aaron utilizing FaceTime. “I love First Tee, because they have great programs for the kids,” says Aaron’s mom, Kira. “Aaron will take individual lessons in the fall. He has really matured with First Tee. If it wasn’t for [First Tee], I don’t know where we would be.” Aaron is one of many participants reached by the chapter’s virtual programs which were supported in part by a recent USGA grant . So far, they have delivered more than 200 hours of virtual tutoring this year. In addition, hundreds of hours are being spent online and, on the phone, helping participants navigate the college and high school application process through the Path to College program. They also offered Summer STEM online, a six-week program focused on the sciences, computer programming and literacy. First Tee — Metropolitan New York is one of 51 First Tee chapters to receive a grant from the USGA towards their ongoing commitment to making the game more accessible and welcoming for juniors. In addition to the $200,000 that went to chapter grants, the association pledged $125,000 to help First Tee headquarters develop innovative digital tools that enable stronger connections between juniors, parents, chapters and coaches, bringing the USGA’s total investment to $325,000 for 2020. “Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.” First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Through chapters in 150 communities and more than 10,000 schools and 1,200 after-school partnerships, First Tee reaches kids ages 5-18 from all backgrounds. Learn more about our character building programs and how you can get involved.

The Power of the PURE Insurance Championship: First Tee Alumni Success Stories

For the last 17 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has welcomed teens from First Tee chapters nationwide to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Throughout the week the teens apply the life and leadership skills learned from First Tee programs during an event where they are paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. For many of the teens who are selected for the tournament, the experience opens their eyes to the possibilities in golf and beyond as they are contemplating post-secondary education and careers, and in some cases, managing fears and emotions. This week, we take a look at several alumni who played in this tournament and how they’ve applied the lessons they learned from First Tee and this experience to reaching for their dreams. Michelle Xie, First Tee — Silicon Valley Played in 2013 with Kirk Triplett Michelle recalls her participation in the PURE Insurance Championship as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She played and won the tournament in 2013 alongside Kirk Triplett. The two established an immediate connection, which led to coachable moments on how to manage the mental and physical demands of the game – both on and off the course. Nothing compared to the exhilaration, nerves and pressure Michelle felt walking down the fairway with Triplett as their pro-junior team was in contention. Those moments of mentorship provided Michelle great perspective to deal with the rigorous schedule of being a student-athlete at Harvard University. Michelle graduated from Harvard in 2019 with a degree in molecular and cellular biology. She played on the women’s golf team, receiving numerous accolades including being named the 2018 Ivy League Individual Champion and was voted as team captain her senior year. Michelle recently moved back to the Silicon Valley to join REX Real Estate as a software engineer. Although she is not spending as much time at the golf course as she once did, Michelle still uses the many time management and problem-solving skills she learned from competitive golf and First Tee. Now that Michelle is back home, she has become a volunteer coach at the First Tee — Silicon Valley to mentor the next generation of participants. Rayshon Payton, First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City Played in 2005 with Gil Morgan An alumus from First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City, Rayshon remembers watching the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach on TV in 2000. From that point on, he dreamed of playing on the course one day himself. This dream became a reality in 2005 when he was selected for the PURE Insurance Championship, paired with PGA TOUR Champions player Gil Morgan. They found themselves in the final pairing on Sunday at Pebble Beach where Rayshon ended up holing out from the 12th bunker on national television. Rayshon has continued to pursue his dreams off the course. He interned at The White House, working in the office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs where he had the opportunity to work with Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Today, he is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, College of Law, and is currently the Legislative Director for Representative Kendra Horn. Sara Scarlett, First Tee — Greater Sacramento Played in 2011 with Jerry Pate Being selected for the PURE Insurance Championship is a goal for many First Tee participants. That was definitely the case for alumna Sara Scarlett. She joined First Tee around the same time that she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Sara’s confidence was low, and she was struggling to balance her medical needs with the desire to have an active and social childhood. First Tee became her sanctuary – a place where she learned the life skills and core values that would ultimately shape her into a confident teenager who always looked on the “bright side.” In 2011, she played in the PURE Insurance Championship with Jerry Pate. Some of Sara’s favorite memories include chipping in on the 10th hole at Pebble Beach and the motivational talks with her partner. Sara went on to play on the women’s golf team at University of Texas, graduating in 2017. Sara now works for Chevron on the Corporate Affairs team where she works with the local community and nonprofits on Chevron-supported initiatives. Sara says she is lucky to have been taught the value of diversity at a young age from First Tee. Taryn Yee, First Tee — Greater Sacramento Played in 2009 with Jim Thorpe For alumna Taryn Yee, playing in the PURE Insurance Championship was the first major goal she set for herself and accomplished on her own merit. Yee claims that she felt like a star when she first arrived at the 2009 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Taryn played with Jim Thorpe, and she says the biggest takeaway was how confident she was at the end of the tournament. The PURE Insurance Championship and the lessons she learned there have provided her self-confidence that she carried with her through college and now into her successful career. Taryn was a student-athlete at University of California, Irvine. As a freshman, she was selected to attend the PwC Executive Forum at THE PLAYERS Championship as an alumni opportunity with First Tee. At the event, she met PwC executives, spoke with clients and was introduced to the business industry and public accounting. This experience led to a new goal for Taryn, which was to graduate with an accounting degree and become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She accomplished that goal, which ultimately led her to career opportunities at PwC, The Gap, and her current position as a financial analyst at Facebook headquarters. Through setting goals and perseverance, Taryn has been able to stay positive and work through challenges to achieve her goals. “I have the confidence that I can accomplish anything. There is no such thing as an intangible goal!” Justin Potwora, First Tee — Greater Portland Played in 2017 with Bernhard Langer It wasn’t too long ago that alumnus Justin Potwora was holding up the PURE Insurance Championship trophy with his partner, Bernhard Langer. Meeting First Tee participants from across the country and hearing about their experiences and perspectives left a lasting impact on Justin. Currently, Justin is entering his senior year at Southern Methodist University where he is majoring in finance. He was recently promoted to Portfolio Manager with Boulevard Investment Group and is also the Philanthropy Chair for his fraternity which raised more than $50,000 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. His goal is to eventually work for a private equity firm and continue to be a leader in his community. Justin credits First Tee with teaching him how to act professionally, selflessly and never compromise his character and values in whatever he sets out to accomplish. John Louie, First Tee — Monterey County Played in 2009 with Donnie Hammond Played in 2010 with Bobby Clampett John joined First Tee — Monterey County not long after its inception in September 2004. John attended Salinas High School, but had visions of achieving more. One day he told his father that by using “Goal Setting,” a life skill he had learned at First Tee, he had set a goal to attend Stevenson High School. John applied himself and with his parents’ support, John became a Stevenson “Pirate.” John competed on the golf team for Stevenson and represented First tee — Monterey County in the 2009 and 2010 tournaments at Pebble Beach. John was accepted to Middlebury College in Vermont, playing on the men’s golf team for three years. He was tempted to stay on the East Coast and work in finance in New York City like many of his fellow Panthers. However, his heart was in Salinas and the agricultural town where he grew up. He was offered a position with Tanimura & Antle, one of the top agricultural companies in Salinas. He has since worked his way up the company and now leads one of the firm’s recent acquisitions, PlantTape. John serves on the Board Committee for Taylor Farms Center For Learning. Last year, he was nominated as a member of the Board of Directors of First Tee — Monterey County, where he continues to give back by mentoring teens in the program.
Though this year’s event will be played without our First Tee participants, this tournament has remained committed to recognizing our participants, their hard work and aspirations. We are grateful to PURE Insurance, Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for investing in their futures through First Tee. Learn more about how we provide access to the game and new opportunities through our character-building programs.

First Tee is Showing Up Stronger after 23 Years

For more than a year, we have been working on a revitalization of the First Tee brand to ensure we stay connected with today’s young people

For more than two decades, we’ve been helping kids and teens learn life skills and build core values using the game of golf as the vehicle. Now, it’s time for us to write our own growth story. In May 2019, we began a process of reflecting on who we are, what we’re capable of and how we can show up stronger for this generation of kids. This brand evolution is grounded in research and insights from key stakeholders and is an updated reflection of who First Tee is and our promise to help empower kids to build their strength of character. Since 1997, when First Tee was first launched in Central Park, Manhattan, NY, the intention was clear: leveraging one of the most engaging sports to enrich the lives of young people. It’s been a lot of hard work, but we are proud to now be serving many communities through our network of chapters, schools and community partnerships. It’s all about empowering kids. And we still think golf is the perfect platform in which to do it. “There is little doubt the world has changed significantly over the last 23 years,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Today’s kids and teens are facing pressures that are different from previous generations, and it’s important that we look in the mirror to ensure we are approaching our work with as much relevance and awareness of today’s families as possible. I am proud of the team who has worked so hard to really understand our participants, alumni, parents, coaches, volunteers, chapters, donors and many more who pour their hearts into our mission each day in their communities. “This year has been challenging on many levels. We debated holding tight on this project, but in the end, our chapters were hungry for the ability to reinforce the incredible work they do through this brand refresh, so we decided to move forward now.” The brand evolution was led by Sub Rosa, a brand strategy and design practice, and included PGA TOUR creative, marketing and communications teams. The evolution includes refreshed brand purpose and story, as well as a new logo, which is a metaphor for the growth guidance at the heart of First Tee. The changes also include removing “The” from the organization’s name and updated colors and patterns. We will continue to build experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.

Jakari Harris embodies values and lessons from First Tee to help support fellow student athletes

This time of year, many college students are preparing to head to their school and prepare for the upcoming school year. But this year looks different, especially for many student-athletes like Jakari Harris. Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, some universities have made the difficult decision to cut programs from the athletic department. This can be devastating for students who are also losing their scholarships, which means they are now paying for their education. First Tee – Metro Atlanta alum, Jakari Harris, is doing something about it. A graduate of Hampton University and a former member of the golf team, Jakari was disheartened to learn that the golf team’s funding had been cut upon her graduation. She and a few other teammates have since started a funding effort to help those who are affected.

“Because of First Tee, I was able to play collegiate golf and would like that opportunity to be available to athletes at Hampton again.” 

Jakari’s act of service is directly rooted in the values she learned while a participant at First Tee – Metro Atlanta. We asked her a few questions about her experience, and this is what she had to say. After being exposed to the game of golf at a young age, my dad started looking for golf programs around our neighborhood. The first chapter I joined was First Tee – Atlanta, but I switched to First Tee – East Lake once I transferred to Charles R. Drew Charter School. The home course was right across from the school, so I could just walk over after classes and practice almost every day. First Tee emphasizes the fact that participants not only learn golf skills, but also life skills. A lot of the values I hold near and dear to my heart are the very values that were taught in First Tee classes. My personal favorites were integrity and perseverance. Aside from life skills I learned, I also gained a family with First Tee. All of the coaches at my home chapter were extremely supportive to me on and off the course. They went above and beyond, and I consider many of them as my mentors. First Tee camps always presented me with both new experiences and challenges. I soaked in all the instruction I could from every drill and practice session. Whenever I faced a challenge, I referred back to what I was taught earlier and tried to apply it. When I wasn’t successful, I could always ask one of the coaches for help. This is the same way I take on the new experiences and challenges in life. I take the experience for what it is and try to learn as much as I can. Then, I look at the challenges from every angle possible. Because of First Tee, I have no problem asking for help and learning from my mistakes. One of my First Tee mentors is Coach Brittny Lott, and I actually still keep in contact with her regularly. She actually does my hair from time to time. Her love for the Lord pushes me to develop a better relationship with God. She was very patient and encouraging when I first met her. Because of my competitiveness, I would sometimes be too hard on myself when I didn’t perform well during competition. She would give me encouraging words and talk me down. I called her after one of my tournaments in college when I shot a terrible score. I just kept saying “I don’t know why I keep doing this. I know I can do better than this.” She brought up a very good point that will always be in the back of my mind. Things happen in golf that you can’t control. Even professionals have their off days. Instead of reacting to what I scored on the last hole, I can choose to not give up and do my very best from then on. If you can walk away knowing you did your best, that’s all you can ask for.

“My biggest takeaway from First Tee is that family doesn’t have to be blood.”

First Tee coaches have had one of the biggest impacts on my life. They care about each and every participant. Even when I would go to a First Tee camp where I didn’t know anyone, the coaches made me feel so welcome and at home. The relationships I have formed through this organization are priceless. Looking forward, I eventually want to become a professor at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). After graduating in STEM from an HBCU, I know that there are very good students there who just need better resources. I was able to end up where I am because of resources I came across and relationships I developed. I am now in the Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Georgia Tech and Emory University. First Tee taught me how to network and keep in contact with the people you meet. Sometimes it’s more about WHO you know than WHAT you know. The core values I learned will help me through grad school and beyond. If you wish to help support Jakari and her fellow Hampton Golf Alumni in their efforts to off-set the lost scholarships and bring the golf program back, visit their GoFundMe page.

“Act as if…” and achieve success in any part of your life

By June Ryan, Guest blogger Last week, First Tee hosted the inaugural First Tee College Scholarship Pre-College Virtual retreat. Our scholarship winners participated in a two-day virtual event where they heard from various speakers on how to tackle the challenges they may face as they step into this next chapter of their life; One of those speakers was Rear Admiral June Ryan. June had a highly successful career in the Coast Guard, achieving many historical firsts for women including the first enlisted woman to rise to the rank of Rear Admiral.  She was the first woman to serve as the Military Advisory to the Secretary of Homeland Security and only the third woman in our nation’s history to serve as the Military Aide to the President of the United States. During the pre-college retreat, Rear Admiral June Ryan spoke to the First Tee scholars about “Brain Training for success” and provided tips to retain positive thoughts and how to block out the negative. We loved her session so much that we invited her to share with our readers, some of her tips for success.

June’s Tips for Success

I travel around the country teaching and training more than 64 different success principles, helping individuals navigate from where they are to where they want to be. One of the most powerful principles is “Act as if…” In other words, act as if… you already have graduated from your favorite college. Act as if… you have already won the big tournament. Act as if… you have already landed your dream job. At the University of Houston, two college roommates understood the tremendous power of this success principle. One roommate was an aspiring sports announcer, majoring in Broadcasting. The other had his sights set on playing on the PGA TOUR. The two roommates “acted as if” they were both at the Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament. The golfer acted as if he just won. His broadcaster roommate acted as if he was the sports announcer selected to conduct the interview with the newly crowned champion in the historic Butler Cabin at Augusta National. Despite the self-doubt and feelings of “this would never happen” or “what are the chances” that may have crept into their psyche, these two roommates played out their improbable scene in vivid detail. They “acted as if” it was actually happening. Fast-forward 13 years later, the exact scene came to fruition.  At the 1992 Masters, Fred Couples had just won his first Major Championship, and his college roommate, Jim Nantz, was there waiting in Butler Cabin to conduct the interview. Following the interview, the two men embraced, overcome by the realization that they had achieved their most outrageous goal together. History is filled with other individuals who also “acted as if” with unprecedented results. “Acting as if” is more than visualization. It’s putting into motion every possible muscle in your body and creating the neurological memories in your mind of what that achievement would be. Most importantly, “acting as if” is about creating the feeling you would have by achieving your goals. Couples and Nantz created the feeling by using just two chairs in a University of Houston dorm room. What are your most outrageous and audacious goals? How can you begin to “act as if”?

Here are some suggestions:

Want to attend a certain college or university? Create an exact replica of the college diploma.  Create the replica with as much vivid detail as possible. Include the name and crest of the university. Add your name and the degree you would be awarded. Complete the diploma with mock-up signatures of the College Dean and University President. Looking to win a tournament? Make a mock-up of the trophy out of cardboard, other craft art material, or print a picture of the trophy. Add your “engraved” name to the trophy along with any other details like your final score. For an added bonus, make a mock-up of the winning check you’d receive if it’s a professional tournament. What if your goal is to earn a million dollars? Why not create a million-dollar bill? Although there is no such thing in the U.S. Treasury as a million-dollar bill, make a mock-up as if one existed. Place your “million dollars” on a bathroom mirror or somewhere where you would see it every day. You can accomplish your most outrageous goals if you begin to put into daily practice this powerful success principle – “Act as if.”

Draymond Green Gives Back Through The First Tee

Golden State Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green is making a difference on the court, but also on the golf course. The NBA named Green one of the top ten finalists for the 2015-16 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award, in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing charitable work. If he wins, he will earn $25,000 for The First Tee of the East Bay.

“We are honored to be named Draymond’s charity of choice. Draymond is an inspiration not only to our youth, but to the entire Oakland community. His commitment and never-ending enthusiasm is as remarkable off the court as it is on the court.” – Executive Director of The First Tee of the East Bay

Fans can vote for Draymond from May 9-18 on social media. Here’s how: Twitter: tweet a comment using both hashtags: #NBACommunityAssist and #DraymondGreen
  • Retweets will also count as votes
Instagram: post a photo using #NBACommunityAssist and #DraymondGreen in the photo description Only unique posts will be included in the vote; commenting on a post using both hashtags does not qualify as a vote Facebook: Respond/comment on a post from an NBA account (League, NBA Cares, Team, nominee’s official page) using #NBACommunityAssist #DraymondGreen

PwC Extends Support of The First Tee during THE PLAYERS 2016 and Beyond

St. Augustine, Fla. (May 10, 2016) – Thanks to PwC, The First Tee’s mission to affect the lives of young people through the game of golf will be highlighted this week during THE PLAYERS Championship at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. PwC has been associated with The First Tee since 2000 and continues to expand its support. Currently more than 25 PwC partners, retired partners and staff serve as volunteer board members for chapters of The First Tee. Several activities will take place at the tournament this year, including:
  • For the 12th year, PwC will host select Scholars of The First Tee during THE PLAYERS at its Executive Business Forum. Four Scholars will engage in a learning experience uniquely designed to teach them about the business of a top professional services firm and the corporate world at large. The participants will interact with corporate leaders and hear from knowledgeable speakers on topics facing American business today.
  • PwC’s The First Tee Challenge will allow fans to take their shot at a scaled version of the par-3 17th at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Located in the Stadium Village and open to the general public all week, fans will have two free shots to try and hit the green and win prizes. Fans will have the option to purchase either a third shot for $5 or a Fast Pass for $20, with proceeds benefiting The First Tee of North Florida. Representatives from The First Tee home office and the North Florida chapter will serve as volunteers throughout the week.
  • PwC will host 200 participants from The First Tee North Florida’s youth programs. Students will hit off the 17th hole replica and take part in experiential golf-themed learning activities–created by the MIND Research Institute–that teach math concepts such as scale, distance and velocity in the context of golf.
  • The First Tee will receive significant exposure during the telecast (on Golf Channel and SirusXM PGA TOUR Radio, thanks to a donation of commercial inventory by PwC, a Trustee of The First Tee, and the PGA TOUR, one of The First Tee’s Founding Partners.
“The First Tee has played a unique role in broadening the efforts of PwC’s Earn Your Future commitment, which has reached more than 2.5 million students and educators through outreach focused on building financial capability,” said Shannon Schuyler, principal, chief purpose office and corporate responsibility leader at PwC, and president of the PwC Charitable Foundation. “We are proud to support The First Tee, nationally and through our local markets, to leverage their expertise in developing core values and healthy habits, and connecting that work to financial decisions.” “For 16 years PwC has been an important supporter of The First Tee and we are grateful for their longstanding support nationally and in chapter markets,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “Their commitment to our efforts helps to build awareness and extend our mission to more young people and their communities.” THE PLAYERS will air on May 11-15 on Golf Channel and NBC. Visit www.PGATOUR.COM/THEPLAYERS for specific airtimes. For more information about The First Tee or to follow the activities taking place during THE PLAYERS, visit www.firsttee.org or follow on Facebook. About The First Tee The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. In 2015, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 4.7 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. About THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship annually combines the best field in golf with the world-class venue that is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Optum, Morgan Stanley and PwC are the exclusive Proud Partners of THE PLAYERS. Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled more than $75 million since the event moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977, including a record $8.1 million generated in 2015. In April 2011, THE PLAYERS announced a new charitable focus, committing to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over the next 10 years. For more on THE PLAYERS and the surrounding area, visit theplayerschampionship.com or floridashistoriccoast.com. Media Contact: Sara Henika The First Tee 904-940-4341 [email protected]

SCNS Sports Foods Becomes Gold Partner of The First Tee

SCNS Sports Foods is proud to become a Gold Partner to The First Tee, an organization that provides positive youth development through golf. SCNS Sports Foods supports The First Tee via donating a portion of the proceeds on every bar sold of their gluten free Trail Mix bars. There are two varieties – Dark Chocolate Chip and Cranberry. Each bar is a delicious combination of gluten free oats, and six different nuts and seeds. The primary sweetener of each bar is agave syrup, and the bars do not contain any artificial ingredients. “Golfers need sustained energy in order to play their best. Our gluten free Trail Mix bars are designed to help golfers sustain energy while providing great taste,” said Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of SCNS Sports Foods. “Our Trail Mix bars are also a great light meal or snack off the course as well” Stewart added. “We are especially pleased to be able to contribute a portion of the proceeds on these bars to The First Tee across the country. Their youth development programs have positively impacted millions of young people over the years, and helped them learn highly valuable life lessons while learning the game of golf,” Stewart noted. “The First Tee is reliant upon charitable contributions to carry out our mission and is grateful to receive support from donors like SCNS Sports Foods” said Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of The First Tee. “We’re positively impacting the lives of young people thanks in great part to their contributions.” 1st Tee™ and 10th Tee™ golf nutrition and energy bars are sold at over 2,000 golf courses and golf retail outlets across the United States. For more information on 1st Tee and 10th Tee golf nutrition and energy bars, please visit www.golfenergybar.com or call toll free 1-888-638-8686. Contact: Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at [email protected]

The First Tee National Par-3 Championship 2016 Winners

Madalyn Ardueser from The First Tee of Greater Portland Wins Girls Division and Presley Mackelberg from The First Tee of Northern Nevada Wins Boys Division of The First Tee’s National Par-3 Championship

Richmond, VA (June 25, 2016) – Madalyn Ardueser representing The First Tee of Greater Portland and Presley Mackelberg representing The First Tee of Northern Nevada clinched The First Tee’s National Par-3 Championship title today for their respective divisions. The First Tee National Par-3 Championship is a unique event that gathers 32 junior golfers from around the country to participate in a 36-hole individual stroke play competition at an exclusive Par-3 course. The tournament took place this weekend at The Kanawha Club in Mankin-Sabot, Virginia. Ardueser and Mackelberg both finished +8 over 36-holes. The girls division runner up, Alice Duan +11 (T2), The First Tee of Northern Nevada, faced Mariana Ocano +11 (T2), The First Tee of St. Petersburg, in a play-off for the runnerup trophy. Duan came out on top after two holes of battle. Steven Schnobrich +9, The First Tee of New Hampshire, finished runner-up in the boys division. “[Today] the pin locations were easier and the greens rolled about the same so it made easier to putt,” Ardueser reflects. “It means a lot to win this tournament.t I came from the other side of country, all the way Oregon, and I came to represent my chapter and The First Tee program overall. It was a great test of perseverance and I think anyone who is thinking of considering coming to an event like this should go for it because it teaches you a lot about yourself.” Ardueser is attending Eastern Washington University on golf scholarship in the fall. “I thought the pin locations were a little more scoreable and the greens were slower greens from rain over night,” Mackelberg noted. “It means a lot [to win this tournament] because I can go back to my chapter and tell them about my experience. I hope to inspire others to come here and have fun, too. I always say that people should enjoy the courses you’re playing and the people you’re playing with.” Mackelberg is a rising junior in high school and has goals to play college golf. Full Scores:
First Name Last Name Chapter Round 1 + Round 2 + OVERALL OVERALL
Olivia Alcoran Greater Sacramento 66 12 65 11 131 23
Madalyn Ardueser Greater Portland 57 3 59 5 116 8
Hallie Boles Pine Mountain 65 11 61 7 126 18
Sayaka Carpenter Raritan Valley 70 16 56 2 126 18
Serena Chen Greater Trenton 66 12 65 11 131 23
Kaitlynn Criswell Phoenix 65 11 68 14 133 25
Alice Duan Northern Nevada 61 7 58 4 119 11
Madelyn Edwards Aiken 71 17 68 14 139 31
Angelica Harris Greater New Orleans 65 11 59 5 124 16
Emily Harvey Valparaiso 64 10 71 17 135 27
Savannah Kummelman Lakeland 77 23 69 15 146 38
Tarin Leong Fort Worth 66 12 63 9 129 21
Mariana Ocano St. Petersburg 61 7 58 4 119 11
Lauren Palmer Greater San Antonio 71 17 69 15 140 32
Jayla Rogers Brunswick County 65 11 68 14 133 25
Belle Tan Greater Dallas 60 6 60 6 120 12
Tyler Armstrong East Baton Rough Parish 61 7 58 4 119 11
Owen Avrit Central Coast 59 5 62 8 121 13
Joseph Auth Pittsburgh 63 9 69 15 132 24
Carlo Carino Greater New Orleans 68 14 66 12 134 26
Cole Elmore Salina 65 11 64 10 129 21
Evan Griffith Fort Smith 61 7 65 11 126 18
Alexander Lamm Greater Charlotte 61 7 60 6 121 13
Jason Liu Connecticut 61 7 60 6 121 13
Seth Lomison The Triad 63 9 58 4 121 13
Alexander Lowe Fort Worth 68 14 69 15 137 29
Presley Mackelburg Northern Nevada 59 5 57 3 116 8
Steven Schnobrich New Hampshire 60 6 57 3 117 9
Scott Schuster Greater Houston 71 17 60 6 131 23
Deion Shepherd Raritan Valley 65 11 57 3 122 14
Brice Smoker Aiken 70 16 62 8 132 24
Alex Woo Greater Richmond 81 27 68 14 149 41
  About The First Tee National Par-3 Championship The First Tee’s National Par-3 Championship is a national opportunity for network participants. To qualify, youth ages 14-17 must go through a thorough application process; girls must have a handicap of 10 or better and boys must have a handicap of 8 or better to be accepted into the event. The playing field is made up of 16 boys and 16 girls representing 26 chapters of The First Tee from 16 different states. Because this is a national opportunity produced by The First Tee, Life Skills and healthy habits are incorporated into daily activities—the overall theme being “the responsibilities of leadership.” On Friday, June 24th, the participants will compete in an individual stroke play competition on an exclusive Par-3 course, The Kanawha Club in Manakin-Sabot, VA. One boy and one girl will be named The First Tee National Par-3 Champion after 36 total holes of individual stroke play, Saturday, June 25th. The University of Richmond will house participants from Wednesday through Sunday. About The First Tee The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youthserving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to nine million young people in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. In 2015, The First Tee of Greater Richmond reached over 22,000 youth through The First Tee Life Skills Experience, collaborative community partnerships, and The First Tee National School Program. At three programming locations, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, The Chesterfield Golf Course, and Independence Golf Club, the chapter provides spring, summer, and fall programs, as well as summer camps and a spring break camp. During programs and camps, head coaches and volunteer coaches positively develop young people with a supportive environment. Media Contacts Madison Rogers Director of Marketing & Special Events, The First Tee of Greater Richmond [email protected] 804-357-8125 Brent Schneider Executive Director, The First Tee of Greater Richmond [email protected] 804-349-3364

Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Brings 81 Teenagers an Opportunity of a Lifetime

The First Tee participants to play in official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach in September

St. Augustine, Fla. (July 6, 2016) – Participants representing chapters of The First Tee throughout the country have been selected to play in the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, an official PGA TOUR Champions event hosted by Monterey Peninsula Foundation. The event will be held September 13-18 and televised internationally on Golf Channel. Eighty-one young men and women listed below, ages 14 to 18, were selected by a national panel of judges that evaluated participants’ playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and core values learned through their involvement with The First Tee. “At Nature Valley we have great admiration for the mission of The First Tee. The program has such a meaningful impact in the lives of young people by strengthening important values like responsibility, judgement and perseverance. The opportunity for these teenagers to be selected as a part of The First Tee has the power to transform lives,” said Carla Vernón at General Mills. “The teenagers selected to play in the Nature Valley First Tee Open have worked hard to prepare for this opportunity, and we are immensely proud to welcome them to this year’s tournament.” The juniors will be teamed with 81 PGA TOUR Champions players and 162 amateurs as they compete for the pro-junior title at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Players committed to compete include two-time major championship winner John Daly, World Golf Hall of Fame member and 28-time PGA TOUR Champions winner Bernhard Langer, and defending champion Esteban Toledo. The junior field was announced this morning on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. The show included current U.S. Presidents Cup captain and soon-to-be PGA TOUR Champions member Steve Stricker, Quicken Loans National winner Billy Hurley III, PGA TOUR player and The First Tee alumnus Scott Langley, Golf Channel’s Charlie Rymer and 2013 Nature Valley First Tee Open pro-junior winner Michelle Xie surprising six juniors with the news of their selection. Highlights from the coverage can be found on www.golfchannel.com. “We are pleased to introduce this year’s juniors in the Nature Valley First Tee Open, an event to which many have been working hard to secure their spot for years,” Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee, said. “We appreciate our partners—Nature Valley, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel—and their commitment to the event which is a life-changing experience for the juniors.” In its 13th year, more than 710 participants from The First Tee chapters have benefited from the opportunity to play in the tournament by meeting and learning from PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field, utilizing the leadership and life skills they have acquired at their chapters. The Nature Valley First Tee Open is one of 10 national opportunities provided by The First Tee home office to encourage and motivate young people as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation. The First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization with golf programs centered on building character through Nine Core Values™: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. Clint Eastwood is chairman of the event and Arnold Palmer, World Golf Hall of Fame member and Trustee of The First Tee, is honorary co-chair. Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course on Friday and Saturday, and final round will be played on Pebble Beach on Sunday. For more information, visit www.thefirstteeopen.com. To learn more about The First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org. The First Tee Participants Selected to Play in 2016 Nature Valley First Tee Open Alphabetical by state
First Name: Last Name: Chapter: City: State:
Josie Robertson The First Tee of Central Arkansas Maumelle AR
William Gibson The First Tee of Fort Smith Fort Smith AR
Sydnie Gamble The First Tee of Fort Smith Greenwood AR
Grayson Martin The First Tee of Central Arkansas White Hall AR
Patrick Fernandez The First Tee of Phoenix Surprise AZ
Dylan Choi The First Tee of Greater Pasadena La Cañada CA
Caitlyn Yamashita The First Tee of Greater Pasadena Pasadena CA
Beah Cruz The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Fairfield CA
Emily Dixon The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Rocklin CA
Grant Leppek The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Rocklin CA
Neeve Chen The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Roseville CA
Jonathan Tanihana The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Sacramento CA
Calista Reyes The First Tee of San Diego San Diego CA
Catherine Batang The First Tee of San Francisco San Francisco CA
Madeline Zunino The First Tee of San Joaquin Stockton CA
Isabelle Castro The First Tee of Silicon Valley San Jose CA
Jacob Meyberg The First Tee of Silicon Valley San Jose CA
Joshua Meyberg The First Tee of Silicon Valley San Jose CA
Rachel Roter The First Tee of the Tri-Valley Livermore CA
Kailer Rundiks The First Tee of Denver Denver CO
Chase Skrubis The First Tee of Connecticut North Granby CT
Kaden Kinard The First Tee of Delaware New Castle DE
Nicholas Kresl The First Tee of Lakeland Lakeland FL
Jake Moscoso The First Tee of Miami Miami FL
Christian Taylor The First Tee of Naples/Collier Naples FL
Kelly Newbrough The First Tee of Naples/Collier Naples FL
Makenzie Hotchkiss The First Tee of Naples/Collier Naples FL
Peter George The First Tee of Naples/Collier Naples FL
Trevor Madridejos The First Tee of North Florida St. Augustine FL
Madelyn Dimitroff The First Tee of Northwest Florida Pensacola FL
Brandon Pozzie The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee Bradenton FL
Isabella Stepanek The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee Sarasota FL
Nicole Polivchak The First Tee of Sarasota Sarasota FL
Sadie Chlapowski The First Tee of St. Petersburg St. Petersburg FL
Claire Vermette The First Tee of St. Petersburg St. Petersburg FL
James Morotti II The First Tee of Tampa Bay Brandon FL
Brandon Doner The First Tee of The Palm Beaches Palm Beach Gardens FL
Alejandra Ayala The First Tee of Atlanta Alpharetta GA
Brette Bryant The First Tee of Augusta Augusta GA
Madison Harwell The First Tee of Augusta Evans GA
Perry Chong The First Tee of Hammond Chicago IL
Emily Harvey The First Tee of Valparaiso Crown Point IN
Yianni Kostouros The First Tee of Valparaiso Crown Point IN
Cole Elmore The First Tee of Salina Salina KS
Tyler Armstrong The First Tee of East Baton Rouge Parish Zachary LA
Julia Simon The First Tee of Greater New Orleans New Orleans LA
Jairus Gaines The First Tee of Greater Baltimore Baltimore MD
Tyler Burkum The First Tee of Three Rivers Park District Maple Grove MN
Pierce Robinson The First Tee of the Foothills Kings Mountain NC
Connor Moore The First Tee of the Triangle Durham NC
Kayla Parsons The First Tee of the Triangle Raleigh NC
Ryan Birkedal The First Tee of the Triad Lewisville NC
Lauren Thibodeau The First Tee of New Hampshire Hampstead NH
Abbi Fleiner The First Tee of Northern Nevada Reno NV
Joshua Fleiner The First Tee of Northern Nevada Reno NV
Faith Francisco The First Tee of Metropolitan New York Wantagh NY
Summer Marshall The First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City Norman OK
Soulai Vang The First Tee of Tulsa Oologah OK
Tya Seth The First Tee of Greater Portland West Linn OR
Kendel Abrams The Firs Tee of Greater Baltimore New Freedom PA
Brice Smoker The First Tee of Aiken North Augusta SC
Megan Tang The First Tee of Memphis Memphis TN
Trinity King The First Tee of Fort Worth Arlington TX
Calista Lothliam The First Tee of Fort Worth Fort Worth TX
Alexander Lowe The First Tee of Fort Worth Westworth Village TX
Annaliesia Salazar The First Tee of Greater Dallas Balch Springs TX
Mariano Barbosa The First Tee of Greater Dallas Dallas TX
Aysis Azarcon The First Tee of Greater Dallas Grand Prairie TX
Stephen Boyd The First Tee of Greater Houston Houston TX
Scott Schuster The First Tee of Greater Houston Katy TX
Aubrey Zastoupil The First Tee of The Piney Woods Longview TX
Zoe Mayfield The First Tee of The Piney Woods Longview TX
Lauren Palmer The First Tee of Greater San Antonio San Antonio TX
Ryan Woo The First Tee of Greater Richmond Richmond VA
Drew White The First Tee of Greater Washington D.C. Alexandria VA
Gerry Jones, Jr. The First Tee of Hampton Roads Suffolk VA
Ross Funderburke The First Tee of Roanoke Valley Roanoke VA
Callie Montgomery The First Tee of Roanoke Valley Hardy VA
Julia Dai The First Tee of Greater Seattle Bellevue WA
Dylan Bissell The First Tee of Yakima Yakima WA
Maxwell Turnquist The First Tee of Yakima Yakima WA
  About Monterey Peninsula Foundation Monterey Peninsula Foundation (MPF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which disburses funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament.. MPF focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org; www.attpbgolf.com; www.thefirstteeopen.com About PGA TOUR Champions PGA TOUR Champions has the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game, with many of its 34 members in the World Golf Hall of Fame competing regularly in its events. It’s where Legends play. The Tour also counts numerous other major championship winners among its members. PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older. Conceived in 1980 as the Senior PGA Tour, it started with just four events and purses totaling $475,000. PGA TOUR Champions primary purpose is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, protect the integrity of the game and generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays. Points earned in official Charles Schwab Cup events in 2015 determined Bernhard Langer as the Charles Schwab Cup champion. In 2016, the newly-introduced Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs will identify and recognize the Tour’s leading player. The Commissioner of the PGA TOUR is Tim Finchem. Greg McLaughlin is President of PGA TOUR Champions. The PGA TOUR’s website is pgatour.com, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Follow the PGA TOUR Champions at facebook.com/ChampionsTour and on Twitter @ChampionsTour. About Nature Valley® Nature Valley created the granola bar category in 1975 and brings great taste to active consumers looking for wholesome snacks. Nature Valley offers nine great-tasting granola snacks: Crunchy Granola Bars, Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars, Chewy Trail Mix Bars, Granola Thins, Yogurt Granola Bars, Roasted Nut Crunch Bars, Protein Bars, Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares and Protein Granola. Nature Valley is also the Official Granola Bar of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Web.com Tour, the United States Ski and Snowboarding Association, Nature Valley NASTAR, Cross Country Ski Areas Association, Vail Resorts. In addition, Nature Valley is a sponsor of the National Parks Conservation Association. About Golf Channel Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Serving the most-affluent audience in all of television, Golf Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of NBC Sports Group – is available in more than 200 million homes in 84 countries and 11 languages around the world. Golf Channel features more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, including tournament action from the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, The Open, Olympics, and Ryder Cup, as well as high-quality news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platforms, headed by GolfChannel.com, deliver unmatched coverage of the world of golf. Fans are able to enjoy 24/7 live streaming of Golf Channel content through Golf Live Extra and NBC Sports Live Extra, both powered by Playmaker Media, and select programming is simulcast via SiriusXM’s PGA TOUR Radio. In addition, Golf Channel connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital and lifestyle services including Golf Channel Mobile, a comprehensive app covering golf’s latest headlines, scores and analysis; GolfNow, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform and golf course technology partner, which includes the GolfNow Mobile App, featuring on-course GPS tracking, in-round scoring and game tracking; GolfAdvisor.com, the world’s largest golf course ratings and review resource for golfers, by golfers; a North American network of Golf Channel Academy instructional facilities; and Golf Channel Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour. About The First Tee The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. In 2015, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 4.7 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.